Defeat leaves Britain struggling

British women face a huge battle after this loss

Britains' women face a steep uphill task to avoid elimination from the hockey competition after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina.

A single first-half goal from Argentine captain Karina Masotta condemned Britain to their second defeat in two matches following the 2-1 reverse to Australia.

While Britain might not have expected to beat defending gold medallists Australia in their opening match they would have been looking for something against the Argentinians, who proved to be powerful and fast in attack, and strong in defence as Britain applied the second-half pressure.

Argentina caused alarm bells to ring in the opening minute when umpire Gina Spitaleri played a good advantage after the ball clearly struck a defender's foot and Vanino Oneto powered on to slice her shot wide, much to Brtiain's relief.

Danger

Britain managed to stave off the danger of Argentina's first penalty corner on nine minutes and had to undergo an uncomfortable period as Argentina's fast and powerful forwards led by Oneto and Karina Masotta posed problems.

It was little surprise when Argentina went ahead on ten minutes when Oneto's shot looped into the air off Melanie Clewlow's stick and fell invitingly for Masotta to prod the ball over the line.

Britain almost fell further behind on 15 minutes when Clewlow was caught in possession by Agostina Garcia who slipped a pass to Masotta but goalkeeper Hilary Rose managed to spread herself and foil the Argentine forward.

But Great Britain rallied and enjoyed a good spell as the first-half ended, although they were unable to convert either of the two penalty corners they earned.

Spirit

Britain showed more spirit in the second-half but were still unable to make headway, lacking the subtlety of pass needed in the final third to break down the Argentine defence.

Perhaps Britain's biggest shortcoming was the failure to get star player Jane Sixsmith into the game enough, and although she was well monitored by the Argentine defence the supply up to the forwards never exploited Sixsmith's pace.

Britain were even unable to take advantage when Argentina were reduced to ten players, Inez Arrondo sent to the bin.

Speedy

As Britain pushed forward the speedy and powerful Oneto caused problems, and almost stretched her team's lead as she picked her way into the D against defenders frightened of making a challenge for fear of conceding a penalty corner, before slicing a back-handed shot wide.

Britain's hopes suffered a further blow when they were forced to play out the last six minutes with six players after Kate Walsh was yellow carded and sent to the bin.

With time running out, Britain pushed players forward and almost paid a heavy price when Clewlow again gave the ball away and Luciana Aymar powered forward before clipping her shot wide.

Britain's next test is also a tough one, and they face Atlanta silver medallists Korea on Wednesday with their future in the competition in the balance.

Argentina now stand on top of their group having beaten Korea in their opening match.